• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제2권4호
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• pp.365-374
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• 2011

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate whether long-term, low-level exposure to monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs) induced insulin resistance. Methods: The subjects were 110 male workers who were occupationally exposed to styrene, toluene, and xylene. One hundred and ten age-matched male workers who had never been occupationally exposed to organic solvents were selected as a control group. Cytokines, which have played a key role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, and oxidative stress indices were measured. Assessment of exposure to MAHs was performed by measuring their ambient levels and their urinary metabolites in exposed workers, and the resulting parameters between the exposed group and non-exposed control groups were compared. Results: There was no significant difference in general characteristics and anthropometric parameters between the two groups; however, total cholesterol, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels were significantly higher in the exposed group. Phenylglyoxylic acid levels showed significant association with tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, total oxidative status, and oxidative stress index via multiple linear regression analysis. Further, there was a negative correlation between methylhippuric acid levels and total anti-oxidative capacity, and there was a significant relationship between MAHs exposure and fasting glucose levels, as found by multiple logistic regression analysis (odds ratio = 3.95, 95% confidence interval = 1.074-14.530). Conclusion: This study indicated that MAHs increase fasting glucose level and insulin resistance. Furthermore, these results suggested that absorbing the organic solvent itself and active metabolic intermediates can increase oxidative stress and cytokine levels, resulting in the changes in glucose metabolism and the induction of insulin resistance.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.374-379
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• 2021

Objective: We aimed to evaluate associations between the ratio of serum estrone (E1) to estradiol (E2) and parameters related to serum glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: In total, 133 women between the ages of 18 and 35 diagnosed with PCOS were enrolled in this study. All participants with PCOS underwent blood tests to determine hormonal and biochemical metabolic parameters and a standard 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. They were divided into two groups according to the serum E1-to-E2 ratio: group 1 (E1/E2 ratio <2.0) and group 2 (E1/E2 ratio ≥2.0). Results: In the comparative analysis, the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was the only clinical variable that was significantly different between the two groups. Patients with a higher E1/E2 ratio showed higher fasting insulin levels, homeostasis model for insulin resistance, and postprandial glucose level at 2 hours (PPG2). In a correlation analysis, only PPG2 was significantly related to the serum E1/E2 ratio. However, after controlling for the confounding effects of body mass index (BMI) and WHR, fasting glucose was also significantly correlated with the serum E1/E2 ratio. Conclusion: Women with PCOS with a higher serum E1/E2 ratio were found to be more likely to show higher fasting insulin and postprandial glucose levels. Significant correlations were found between the serum E1/E2 ratio and both fasting and postprandial serum glucose levels after adjusting for BMI and WHR in women with PCOS.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• 제17권1호
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• pp.5.1-5.9
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• 2019

The chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus) and gentoo (P. papua) penguins are distributed throughout Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands. In this study, high-quality de novo assemblies of blood transcriptomes from these penguins were generated using the Illumina MiSeq platform. A total of 22.2 and 21.8 raw reads were obtained from chinstrap and gentoo penguins, respectively. These reads were assembled using the Oases assembly platform and resulted in 26,036 and 21,854 contigs with N50 values of 929 and 933 base pairs, respectively. Functional gene annotations through pathway analyses of the Gene Ontology, EuKaryotic Orthologous Groups, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases were performed for each blood transcriptome, resulting in a similar compositional order between the two transcriptomes. Ortholog comparisons with previously published transcriptomes from the $Ad{\acute{e}}lie$ (P. adeliae) and emperor (Aptenodytes forsteri) penguins revealed that a high proportion of the four penguins' transcriptomes had significant sequence homology. Because blood and tissues of penguins have been used to monitor pollution in Antarctica, immune parameters in blood could be important indicators for understanding the health status of penguins and other Antarctic animals. In the blood transcriptomes, KEGG analyses detected many essential genes involved in the major innate immunity pathways, which are key metabolic pathways for maintaining homeostasis against exogenous infections or toxins. Blood transcriptome studies such as this may be useful for checking the immune and health status of penguins without sacrifice.

• ALGAE
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• 제38권1호
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• pp.81-92
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• 2023

Obesity-induced inflammation is crucial in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In this study, we investigated the effects of the Gracilaria chorda (GC) on lipid accumulation and obesity-induced inflammatory changes or glucose homeostasis in cell models (3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages). Samples of GC were extracted using solvents (water, methanol, and ethanol) and subcritical water (SW) at different temperatures (90, 150, and 210℃). The total phenolic content of GCSW extract at 210℃ (GCSW210) showed the highest content compared to others, and GCSW210 highly inhibited lipid accumulation and significantly reduced gene expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-α, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, and fatty acid synthase in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, GCSW210 effectively downregulated the pro-inflammatory cytokine regulator pathways in RAW 264.7 macrophages, including mitogen-activated protein kinase, signal transducers and activators of transcription and nuclear factor-κB. In co-culture of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and RAW 264.7 macrophages, GCSW210 significantly reduced nitric oxide production and interleukin-6 levels, and improved glucose uptake with dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that GCSW210 improves glucose metabolism by attenuating obesity-induced inflammation in adipocytes, which may be used as a possible treatment option for managing obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제57권1호
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• pp.65-74
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• 2024

Purpose: Sodium is essentially required for homeostasis and physiological functions, but excessive sodium consumption increases the risk of obesity and other chronic disorders. Korean studies on the sodium-obesity relationship are limited, and thus, this study was undertaken to determine the nature of the relationship between sodium intake and obesity in Korean adults. Methods: Forty-two participants were divided into 2 groups according to body mass index (BMI, non-obese BMI < 25 kg/m², obese BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²). Dietary intakes and eating habits were analyzed using 3-day food records and a food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric data were obtained from bioimpedance results, and fasting glucose and lipid levels were measured. Results: Mean weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences, and body fat mass were greater in the obese group than in the non-obese group for men and women. Skeletal muscle mass and body fat mass were higher in obese women than in non-obese women. Biochemical data were no different in these two subgroups except triglycerides (TGs), which were higher in obese women. Nutrient intakes were not significantly different in obese and non-obese groups. However, obese men consumed excessive sodium, while obese women consumed slightly more than non-obese women. Obese men preferred salty foods and tended to overeat. Positive correlations were found between sodium intake and weight in men and percent body fat mass (PBFM) in women. Correlation analysis (adjusted for energy intake) of the relation between sodium intake and obesity-related factors showed sodium intake was positively correlated with PBFM and TG in women. Conclusion: This anthropometric and biochemical data analysis emphasizes the need for awareness and interventions to mitigate the health risks of elevated sodium consumption. Our findings should aid future studies on the relationship between sodium and obesity and contribute to preventing and managing this metabolic condition.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제31권8호
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• pp.699-709
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• 2021

생활습관 개선을 통한 근육량향상은 대사 증후군의 위험을 줄이는 것으로 보고되었다. 본 연구에서는 갈조류인 고리매(Scytosiphon lomentaria) 에탄올 추출물이 골격근 성장억제조절 단백질인 마이오스타틴 신호전달을 억제하는지와 고 급식으로 유도된 비만 제브라피시의 대사 항상성에 대한 효과를 확인하였다. 고리매 에탄올 추출물(10 ㎍/ml)은 pGL3- (CAGA) 12-루시퍼라제 분석에서 마이오스타틴(1 nM/ml) 신호를 완전히 차단하였다. 또한 웨스턴 블롯 분석에서 마이오스타틴 신호를 차단하여 Smad2 인산화가 억제되는 것을 확인하였다. 제브라피쉬의 치어에 대한 연구는 고 급식 대조군 그룹의 체내 포도당 농도는 정상 급식 대조군 그룹보다 유의하게 높았지만, 12.5 ug의 고리매 에탄올을 처리한 고 급식 그룹과 18.75 ug의 고리매 에탄올로 처리한 고 급식 그룹의 체내 포도당 수준은 정상 급식 대조군 그룹과 유사하였다. 고 급식 그룹의 GLUT2 유전자의 mRNA 발현 수준은 정상 급식 대조군 그룹에 비해 현저히 낮았다. 하지만, 고리매 에탄올 추출물을 처리한 실험군 그룹의 GLUT2 유전자의 발현은 정상 급식 대조군 그룹의 GLUT2 유전자의 발현과 거의 유사하게 나타났다. 그러므로 고리매 에탄올 추출물은 GLUT2유전자의 발현 조절을 통하여 체내 포도당 조절이 가능함을 보여준다. 본 연구의 결과는 고리매 에탄올 추출물이 대사 증후군 치료에 도움을 주는 소재 및 마이오스타틴 억제제로서의 가능성을 시사합니다.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제30권9호
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• pp.772-782
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• 2020

골격근의 분화 또는 근육 분화는 근육량과 신진대사 항상성을 유지하기 위해 중요하다. 근육 특이적 microRNAs (miRNAs)는 골격근 분화에 중요한 역할을 한다. 본 연구에서는 rat miRNAs 마이크로어레이를 사용하여 rat L6 근아세포의 근육 분화 과정에서의 miRNAs 발현 양상을 조사했다. 우리는 miR-128의 발현 증가를 발견했고, 동시에 이미 알려진 근육 분화 조절 miRNAs인 miR-1, miR-133b와 mi-206의 발현 증가를 확인했다. 이 microarray 결과를 확인하기위해 우리는 Quantitative RT-PCR 기술을 사용하였고, microarray 결과와 유사하게 발현 초기 mRNAs와 발현 후 성숙 miRNAs에서 모두 miR-128의 발현 증가를 확인했다. 또한 Rat L6 근아세포로의 miR-128 발현 향상은 muscle creatine kinase (MCK), myogenin, myosin heavy chain (MHC)와 같은 근육분화 표지 유전자 발현을 유발했고, 또한 MHC의 단백질 발현을 증가시켰다. 억제 PNAs를 사용한 miR-128의 작용 억제는 이러한 근육 분화 표지 유전자들의 발현을 차단했다. 또한, miR-128 발현 향상은 Erk와 Akt 단백질의 인슐린 자극에 의한 인산화를 증가시켰고, 고인슐린혈증과 고혈당증으로 인해 유도된 인슐린 저항성으로 인한 Erk와 Akt의 억제된 인산화를 회복했다. 이러한 발견은 miR-128이 근육분화와 인슐린 작용에 중요한 역할을 할 수 있다는 것을 시사한다.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제30권8호
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• pp.1190-1197
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• 2017

Objective: Adipose tissue is no longer considered as an inert storage organ for lipid, but instead is thought to play an active role in regulating insulin effects via secretion adipokines. However, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the effects of adipokines. In this study, we investigated the role of adipokines in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity in obese Bama mini-pigs. Methods: An obesity model was established in Bama mini-pigs, by feeding with high-fat and high-sucrose diet for 30 weeks. Plasma glucose and blood biochemistry levels were measured, and intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed. Adipokines, including adiponectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), resistin and tumor necrosis factor alpha ($TNF-{\alpha}$), and glucose-induced insulin secretion were also examined by radioimmunoassay. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation in skeletal muscle, which is a useful insulin resistance marker, was examined by immunoblotting. Additionally, associations of AMPK phosphorylation with plasma adipokines and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were assessed by Pearce's correlation analysis. Results: Obese pigs showed hyperglycemia, high triglycerides, and insulin resistance. Adiponectin levels were significantly decreased (p<0.05) and IL-6 amounts dramatically increased (p<0.05) in obese pigs both in serum and adipose tissue, corroborating data from obese mice and humans. However, circulating resistin and $TNF-{\alpha}$ showed no difference, while the values of $TNF-{\alpha}$ in adipose tissue were significantly higher in obese pigs, also in agreement with data from obese humans but not rodent models. Moreover, strong associations of skeletal muscle AMPK phosphorylation with plasma adiponectin and HOMA-IR index were obtained. Conclusion: AMPK impairment induced by adiponectin decrease mediates insulin resistance in high-fat and high-sucrose diet induction. In addition, Bama mini-pig has the possibility of a conformable model for human metabolic diseases.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• 제48권1호
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• pp.1-8
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• 2015

자색고구마 열수추출물의 간 보호 기능을 확인하기 위해 C57BL/6 마우스를 사용하여 시험하였다. 지방간 유도를 위해 8주간 고지방/콜레스테롤 식이를 급여하였으며, 자색고구마 열수추출물은 1.25, 2.5, 5%의 수준으로 식이에 함께 넣어 같은 기간 동안 제공하였다. 간 조직의 병리학적 분석, 혈장 ALT 활성도, 간 및 혈장의 TC 수준을 바탕으로 비알콜성 지방간 모델이 형성되었음을 확인하였다. 고지방/콜레스테롤 식이의 급여는 식이섭취량을 감소시켜 총 에너지 섭취량은 시험군간 차이가 없었으나, 포화지방을 급원으로 하였을 때 지방세포의 비대와 혈장 TC, 간 TC, 간의 지방구를 증가시키는 것으로 관찰되었다. 한편 자색고구마 열수추출물을 고지방/콜레스테롤 식이와 함께 섭취시킨 결과, 고지방/콜레스테롤 식이로 인한 지질대사 이상을 유의하게 변화시키지 못해 혈액 및 간 손상 지표를 개선시키지 못하였으나, 지방조직의 크기는 작게 유지하고 간의 지방구 형성은 억제하는 것으로 관찰되었다. 이상의 결과로 자색고구마 열수추출물은 지질대사 개선을 통해 간 보호 효과를 갖음을 알 수 있었다. 향후에는 자색고구마 열수추출물이 지방세포-간의 상호 지질대사에 미치는 영향을 추가적으로 연구해야 할 것으로 사료된다.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제50권1호
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• pp.11-19
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• 2018

본 연구에서는 최근에 연구되어 온 장내 세균총이 특히 주요 장질환의 발병에 있어서, 어떠한 역할을 하는지 보고된 여러 문헌들을 중심으로 연구 결과들을 요약 하였다. 예를 들자면, 면역체계를 매개하여 병이 악화되는 여러 질환에서 정상일 때와 달리 바뀐 장내 세균총을 통해 악화된다고 보고된 바 있다. 장내 세균총의 역할에 대해 많이 연구된 장질환 중에서, 많이 연구된 3개의 질환은 과민성 장 증후군, 염증성 장질환, 대장암이다. 그러나, 사람의 장내에 존재하는 세균총은 몸에 이로우며, 비타민 A 합성, 단사슬지방산의 생산, 담즙산 대사과정과 같은 장내 생리적 기능 매개를 통해 장내 항상성을 유지한다고 알려져 있다. 이와 같이, 장내에 존재하는 이로운 세균 군집과 해로운 세균 군집의 균형은 장내 건강에 주요한 영향을 미친다. 장질환을 포함한 여러 질환의 발병 및 진행에서 장내 세균총의 변화가 주요 원인으로 추측되고 있는 실정이다. 현재까지 보고된 많은 연구 결과에도 불구하고, 어떤 장내 세균총 구성이 몸에 가장 이로운 지학계에서도 의견이 분분한 상태이다. 본 논문에서는, 주요 장질환으로 알려진 과민성 장 증후군, 염증성 장질환, 대장암과 장내 세균총과의 관계에 대해 연구한 논문들에 대해 연결 지어 요약하였다. 마지막으로, 장내 세균총을 매개로 악화되는 장질환을 완화하며, 장내 건강을 지키기 위한 수단으로 천연물을 이용한 치료 전략을 제시하고자 한다.